With more people starting and continuing to work their jobs and attend school from home, having the ability to participate in video calls is vital.
For those who prefer to use a tablet instead of a laptop or desktop computer, it is possible to participate in video calls on the tablet. For those who need to take video calls while on the go, the portability of the tablet works especially well.
Here are some of the most important features to seek in a tablet used primarily for video calls.
What to know before you buy a tablet for video calls
Before purchasing a tablet to make video calls, think about these items to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Operating system
The operating system in a tablet is the software that provides the primary interface for running the tablet. Three operating systems are common in tablets:
Android: The Android operating system is the most popular OS for a tablet, appearing in many different brands and models.
iOS: Apple branded tablets run iOS, which is Apple’s mobile device operating system.
Microsoft: The Microsoft Windows OS doesn’t appear in as many tablets as the other two operating systems, but it is available for those who prefer it.
These tablet operating systems work in a similar manner to the operating systems that smartphones use. Many people will select a tablet OS that matches the smartphone OS they’re already familiar with using.
Headphone jack
Finding a headphone jack on a tablet is not as common as it once was. When participating in a video call, if you want to use a headphones/microphone set, you may need to invest in a Bluetooth set of headphones that can make a wireless connection with the tablet. Otherwise, search out a tablet with a headphone jack for a wired connection.
Tablet for video calls features
When purchasing a tablet for making Zoom calls, it helps to understand the terminology associated with these devices, such as the following.
Front-facing camera
When participating in a video call, you’ll be looking at the display screen of the tablet. This means the front-facing camera will record you and send your picture to the rest of the people on the call.
Look for a front-facing camera that offers excellent resolution. For the best results, front-facing video cameras on tablets should have a maximum 720p or 1080p HD video resolution for video calling and a resolution of at least 5 MP (or megapixels) for photographs.
Screen size
If your video calls often involve several people, having a larger tablet screen will help you see everyone more clearly. For video calls where you must watch presentations, a larger screen is desirable too.
Look for a screen size of at least 9 inches (measured diagonally) for the best results for video calls on a tablet.
Screen resolution
Sharp, clear screens are preferable for tablets for video calling, allowing you to see precise details in the video.
Look for a minimum HD video resolution in the screen (1920 by 1080 pixels) for the best results for video calls. Tablets with a higher level of resolution will deliver even better quality, allowing you to see details in presentations being given during the video call.
Audio speakers
Speaker quality in a tablet tends to be less than desirable. Some tablets only have one small speaker, while others use two small speakers built into the tablet case to try to provide stereo sound.
Although you may be able to listen to a video call through the tablet’s built-in speakers, test the quality of the sound before your call. You may find you’ll want to upgrade to headphones before the call starts.
Tablet for video calls cost
The best tablets for video calls will have a similar cost range to general-use tablets. The most basic video calling tablets will cost $200 to $400, while pricier options will cost $400 to $1,000.
Tablet for video calls FAQ
Can I use a case on the tablet without blocking the front-facing camera?
A. As long as you stick with a case that has compatibility with the model and brand of tablet you own, the case’s design should accommodate the front-facing camera without blocking it.
Will a screen protector cause a loss in screen quality for video calls?
A. The protector should not affect your screen quality. The protectors are almost perfectly clear, so they won’t affect your ability to see the image on the screen clearly.
Which tablet for video calls should I get?
Best of the best tablet for video calls
Apple iPad Air: available at Amazon and Staples
Our take: Apple tablets deliver outstanding screen quality, which makes them ideal for video calls.
What we like: Measuring almost 11 inches diagonally, this iPad screen is a large size versus others. The front-facing camera works especially well for video calls, as it has HD resolution.
What we dislike: It’s an expensive tablet, so if you’re only buying a tablet for video calls, it may be overkill.
Best bang for your buck tablet for video calls
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: available at Staples
Our take: Don’t let the “Lite” in the name fool you, as this tablet has a better feature set than the majority of similarly priced tablets.
What we like: Reasonably priced tablet. Screen measures 10.4 inches diagonally, which is great for video calls. Runs the Android operating system, so it’s easy to use.
What we dislike: Front-facing camera has a 5 MP photo resolution limit, so it’s not quite as sharp as some others.
Honorable mention tablet for video calls
Microsoft Surface Go: available at Amazon and Staples
Our take: When participating in a video call, this Microsoft tablet has a built-in kickstand that will hold the display upright for easy viewing.
What we like: With a 10.5-inch display screen, it’s large enough for video call viewing. Has a full 1080p HD resolution front-facing camera, which works nicely for Zoom calls.
What we dislike: It’s a little pricier than some other options.
Kyle Schurman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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